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JEAN ANN SMITH
Jean Ann Smith (nee Moir) passed away Friday, June 9, 2023, at the grand age of 91 years.
Jean was born January 31, 1932, to George and Mildred Moir at the family farm on Section 21-11-26 in the Municipality of Wallace. Growing up as an only child on the farm meant there was always work to do. Jean helped with chores around the house and on the farm, including delivering meals to the field. She started knitting when she was eight, and enjoyed playing with her dog, Tippy. She attended Montgomery School from 1938 - 1946, and graduated from Virden Collegiate in 1951.
After attending one year of ‘normal school’ (Teacher’s College) in Winnipeg, she landed a job at Harvey School north of Oak Lake. She taught there for two years while boarding with Walter and Anne Smith. This arrangement was fortunate for the Smith’s nephew, Lyman. Jean and Lyman were married April 30, 1955. Together they raised four children on their farm north of Oak Lake at Section 19-10-23 W.
Jean was active in the United Church, first at St. David’s and later in Oak Lake and Virden. She was a dedicated choir member and worked alongside her neighbours at Fowl Suppers and other church events.
Jean and Lyman remained on the farm until 1990 when Lyman, suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, required more care. The farmhouse was moved into Oak Lake. Jean spent the next nineteen years in Oak Lake and then returned to Virden in 2009.
On September 9, 2012, Jean was devastated by a house fire that destroyed most of her belongings. Coincidentally, a fire had destroyed the farmhouse that Jean, Lyman, and three of the children lived in, on September 9, 1960.
Jean was a master at any craft she put her hand to. Her favorites included quilting, knitting and spinning wool. She competed in ‘Sheep to Shawl’ competitions with the Wool Gatherers and sold her knitted goods at craft sales, making lifelong friends along the way. All her skills were put to good use when she volunteered at the Costume Closet in Virden.
Jean was passionate about dancing. Jean and Lyman attended Old Time dances regularly in Hargrave, Crandall, Bradwardine and Oak Lake. They were members of the Oak Lake Toe Tappers and enjoyed square dancing with their friends and neighbours every Thursday night.
By far her proudest moments were spent with her seven grandchildren. She loved watching them grow, and choose partners and careers. She always had time to hear about their busy lives. It brought her joy to welcome eleven great-grandchildren into the world.
Left to miss her are her children, Sandy (Louise), Kerry (Mary), Shannon (Lyle), and Carol Ann (Graham); seven grandchildren, Corey, Charlie (Julie), Shane (Cyndie), Torrie (Maggie), Carly (Jordan), Jay (Christel), and Kris (Jen); eleven great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Patrick, Kayden, Zachary, Clara, Nathan, Logan, Malcolm, Winston, Stevie, and Bennett and many relatives and dear friends.
Jean is predeceased by her parents George and Mildred Moir, her husband Lyman, her son-in-law Mike Smillie, and her daughter-in-law Mary Smith.
A celebration of Jean’s life was held at Carscadden Funeral Chapel, Virden, Manitoba Friday, June 16, 2023 at 2:00 pm. Interment was in Oak Lake Cemetery.
Memorial tributes in memory of Jean may be to Prairie Mountain Health for Virden and Area Palliative Care P.O. Box 400, Virden, MB R0M 2C0, or the charity of your choice.
As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 17, 2023